The chairman and CEO of Gevity HR Inc. (NASD: GVHR), Erik Vonk, resigned effective immediately, the Bradenton FL-based professional employer organization announced today. Michael Lavington will take over as CEO and chairman. Lavington has been a Gevity director since 2006 and was named Gevity chief operating officer earlier this month. He has worked in executive human resources and managing director roles for several U.K. and U.S. companies, according to Gevity.

"Erik has been an integral part of the Gevity team for more than five years and we are grateful to him for his contributions," said Gevity director Jonathan Kagan. "His enthusiasm for our business and his entrepreneurial spirit has created a valuable legacy. The board and Erik agree that the company will benefit at this juncture from new leadership going forward."

Lavington is a citizen of the United Kingdom and his appointment is subject to gaining U.S. work authorization, the company said.